In vitro mechanism of inhibition of bacterial cell growth by allicin

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1988 Dec;32(12):1763-8. doi: 10.1128/AAC.32.12.1763.

Abstract

Diallyl thiosulfinate (allicin) is the agent found in garlic which is responsible for the antibacterial and antifungal activity of extracts of this plant. The effect of bacteriostatic concentrations of allicin (0.2 to 0.5 mM) on the growth of Salmonella typhimurium revealed a pattern of inhibition characterized by: (i) a lag of approximately 15 min between addition of allicin and onset of inhibition, (ii) a transitory inhibition phase whose duration was proportional to allicin concentration and inversely proportional to culture density, (iii) a resumed growth phase which showed a lower rate of growth than in uninhibited controls, and (iv) an entry into stationary phase at a lower culture density. Whereas DNA and protein syntheses showed a delayed and partial inhibition by allicin, inhibition of RNA synthesis was immediate and total, suggesting that this is the primary target of allicin action.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / biosynthesis
  • DNA, Bacterial / biosynthesis
  • Disulfides
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • RNA, Bacterial / biosynthesis
  • Salmonella typhimurium / drug effects*
  • Salmonella typhimurium / metabolism
  • Sulfinic Acids / chemical synthesis
  • Sulfinic Acids / pharmacokinetics
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Disulfides
  • RNA, Bacterial
  • Sulfinic Acids
  • allicin